Chapter 56: The Passage of Time Creates Change
Six months later, there was no sign of any movement by the Anti-Hero Alliance. As expected, everyone had no choice but to admit that the situation had come to an end. The Knights Order and the Mages Order were relieved of their escort duties, and the surroundings of the hero candidates were completely back to normal.
However, there was a big change in the hero candidates themselves. It was, after all, Yuya who triggered this change.
After returning from the [Forest of No Entry], Yuya began actively recruiting to gather his own comrades as he had declared. The people were Class C hero candidates. The reason he chose Class C was his determination to beat Jin on the same terms.
As a result, all the hero candidates remaining in Class C were recruited. They were rated as dropouts and had no chance at all of getting bid on. They were wondering what they should do with their lives after graduation when they received an invitation from Yuya, who was sure to be the most popular. For them, this meant that the path to a generous offer had suddenly opened up.
The three members who followed Yuya were Kenji Shimizu, Mizushima Takeru, Shiraishi Yuki, two swordsmen, and one mage.
With Shizuru added to the group, there are five members, the same number as Jin and his group. Although the number of members is the same, it is not the same as Jin's group, which includes production occupations.
It was not Jin, but the other Class A hero candidates who panicked with Yuya's action.
Yuya, who was already outstanding, had recruited even more companions. If they wanted to compete with him, they had no choice but to recruit their own companions as well. They had to recruit more excellent companions than Yuya's.
First of all, the Class B candidate students were the target of the recruitment.
However, this was not an easy task. The 12 Class B candidate students were recruited by six others. Moreover, some of the Class B candidates received invitations from their home countries. Although it was a small country and the conditions were not favorable, they were very grateful that they were needed. There was no way they would easily accept an invitation from the same hero candidate.
As a result of the various negotiations that took place under these circumstances, the other hero candidate students settled on one form.
A gathering under the guise of a study group. They do not know what will happen after graduation. However, while they were at the academy, several groups were formed to cooperate with each other in training and other activities. The hero candidates are now working as a unit of those groups.
There are people who look at these hero candidates with cold eyes.
"What can I say? You're busy bickering and getting along with each other."
Heinz says with a hint of sarcasm.
"I can't speak for others. We are the same way."
To which Princess Milianea replies.
"That's right. It's a great thing to see the three kingdoms gathered like this for a conversation."
Princess Grace followed suit.
"It can't be helped. The fact that the hero candidates are all together leaves no room for us to intervene. In other words, we have free time."
"I hope you won't be so blunt. At least tell me about the information exchange meeting."
"That's right."
After forming a group, the Hero Candidates began training themselves with surprising dedication. The people themselves are in the mood, and they are doing it with the feeling that they have raised their level because they have a new party, but the people of this world don't understand that feeling.
The only thing they know is that the time they have left to spend with their new partners is drastically reduced. So, to pass the time, they started to have these opportunities―― this is just an excuse, of course.
At least the three countries do not need to eagerly gather information about the hero candidates now. What the three countries need is what the other countries are going to do. Instead of passing the time, this was a place to explore each other.
It was Jin's fault that they had to go to such lengths to find out what each other's intentions were. Heinz and Hyde saw Jin's ability in the [Forest of No Entry]. It changed their evaluation of Jin. He might be able to match Yuya. That was what made them think so.
And Princess Grace was also informed of this fact. In this aspect, the Luine Kingdom was not to be outdone.
“Were there five groups?”
"Yes, it seems so."
Princess Milianea answered Heinz's question.
"Which group do you think is the best?"
"That's a difficult question. Isn't it Yuya Kisaragi's group after all?"
"I don't know about that?"
Princess Grace objected to Princess Milianea's opinion.
"Am I wrong?"
"Things change when it comes to groups. There is a group centered on two magic swordsmen of Class A. I think that is strong."
Princess Grace, who speaks her honest opinion, is still inferior to the two in terms of tactics. In this case, the information is acceptable, so there is no problem.
“If I remember correctly, there are two A-class magic swordsmen, one fist healer, one B-class knight, and two mages.”
"Fist healer?"
"Ah, I'm sorry. The title is Monk. The hero candidate says it's ascetic, but that's not what it means. It was called a monk because it's a fist fighter who fights with its bare hands and can use healing magic.
"Fist healer? That's right. It's easy to understand what it is."
"Is that so?"
"Yes. We will call it that way in our country."
"Please do."
It was the moment when a new universal word was born.
"Let's get back to the topic. When it comes to groups, this is still the strongest."
“Is it impossible for Yuya Kisaragi, who has the title of hero?”
“The people around him are weak. Unless Yuya Kisaragi can win in a three-in-one against a Class A hero candidate."
"You will never know until you try."
Yuya's power is outstanding. It's not out of the question. But these words of Princess Milianea are not based on any evidence, but a little bit of meanness to Princess Grace.
"Then shall we try?"
"How?"
“We have a sword competition here at the academy. I think we could add a team competition to it."
"......That's a good idea."
It is a great opportunity to measure the strength of the group.
"Would you agree?"
"Yeah, that's fine."
"How about Ruben-dono?"
"I don't mind"
"Then I will inform the academy of the request of the three countries."
With this, the addition of team battles seems to have been decided. The current church, which has significantly lost credibility due to the Anti-Hero Alliance, does not have the energy to go against the three kingdoms.
“Depending on the results, there is something I would like to discuss.”
"Ara, it doesn't look like a meeting to kill time."
"Exactly."
"......Let's hear it first."
Feeling that it wasn't something she could dodge as a joke, Princess Milianea took a serious stance in listening to what was being said.
"If Jin's ability is on par with Yuya's, we will be troubled."
"I'm not bothered"
"Don't be stupid. You know that Jin will have to deal with the possibility of competition"
"...I wonder if it will be?"
Princess Milianea did not immediately confirm. If Jin lined up with Yuya in terms of ability, the options would increase.
“There is a possibility. If they are equal in ability, Yuya's character may become a problem."
"......I suppose so. So?"
If the strength of their sword is the same, they would choose Jin. This is the same for Princess Milianea.
"This is also possible. Yuya, Mei, Jin. There are hero candidates with three powerful individuals. And we are also three countries."
"......I didn't think you'd bring that up this early on."
Princess Milianea also thought that the talk of a bid would be brought up at some point. But she didn't think it would be now, when there is still time to make a bid.
"I don't intend to draw any conclusions here. I'm talking about the future, not necessarily the actual future."
"Then why are you bringing this up?"
"Don't you think it's troublesome to have someone other than the three kingdoms involved?"
"That woman."
Princess Milianea knew right away who Heinz was talking about. That's how conspicuous Princess Amalia's behavior has become.
"It is indeed becoming a bit of an eyesore."
"...You want to do something about it?"
"That's what I mean."
"We've already done something about it. We just have to wait and see what happens."
Princess Milianea, the Izrim Magic Kingdom had already moved into action. They were thinking the same thing.
"That's quick. What kind of move is it?"
"I'm not going to tell you. I'll tell you when I get the results, but until then, stay out of the way."
"Fine, as long as it gets us what we want."
"...I look forward to your success."
Princess Grace also expressed her hope for the success of the plan, although she looked a little dissatisfied.
The meeting to pass the time is also a place for secret talks. The three countries, which are usually at odds with each other, can cooperate with each other as much as they like, as long as it is to protect the position of the major powers. It is the same in the real political arena.
◇◇◇
The sunlight shining through the window was no longer that of the morning.
Yuya was still slumbering on his bed, even though he should have been at the academy long ago. The woman next to him was trying to wake him up by shaking his body.
"Yuya, get up already. We have to go to the academy now."
"Nhh... yeah"
"Yuya, wake up"
"......Amalia. You look great today."
With sleepy eyes, Yuya pulls Amalia's body towards him.
"No. It's already noon."
"Time doesn't matter. I want to keep loving Amalia for the whole day."
"Yuya..."
As it is, Yuya covers over Amalia.
Time passed. Their relationship had progressed to this point. Princess Amalia gives her body before marriage. This is an unthinkable situation for the Saint Miriam Kingdom. Naturally, Princess Amalia did not do this solely out of romantic feelings.
"No. I have plans to train in the afternoon."
"...That's right. These are the knights who will be the core of the future Saint Miriam Kingdom. We must train them well."
"Yes, please."
Princess Amalia dresses Yuya who got off the bed. It's also an unthinkable act for a princess, but neither of them cares.
They were completely in the newlywed mood.
"Emily"
"Yes. Meals are ready."
Princess Amalia's call was immediately answered from the corridor. It was the voice of Emily, the maid who had been standing by.
"I have prepared a meal for you. Go ahead and eat."
"What about Amalia?"
"I need to prepare myself a little more."
Amalia is now wearing only a thin layer of nightwear over her underwear. She was still dressed in the afterglow of last night.
"I see. Well then."
"Ah……"
After hugging Princess Amalia tightly and kissing her on the mouth, Yuya headed for the dining hall. This is also something of a daily custom.
Yuya spends almost every day commuting from Princess Amalia's residence to the academy. They live together half the time.
Yuya leaves the room and Emily enters in his place.
"I will prepare the hot water for you."
"No, it's fine. I have to hurry up and go to the academy."
"Then, I'll wipe your body."
"Yes. Please."
She knew that Princess Amalia would answer that way. Emily went out into the hallway and quickly returned with the water bucket.
Placing it on the floor, she carefully wiped Princess Amalia's body with a wrung-out towel. Slowly wiping her entire body...... then her hands stopped when they reached the base of Princess Amalia's feet.
"…………"
"What's wrong?"
"Does Amalia-sama have to go this far?"
"Emily..."
“Does Amalia-sama have to sacrifice so much for the sake of the country?”
Is it necessary to offer herself to bring Yuya into her country? The more Amalia gets to know Yuya, the more Emily feels this way.
"Emily, that's not true. I don't consider it a sacrifice."
"But to offer your body?"
"......Yuya is a kind man. He can be selfish, but he's just as innocent as a child."
"Are you serious?"
"Yuya loves me. I was approaching him to use him, but he didn't know anything about me and he loved me straight away. I'm so happy about that."
"...Really, that man loves Amalia-sama?"
Emily can't believe Yuya's feelings. She can't feel his sincerity.
"I believe in Yuya"
"I see... I understand."
When Princess Amalia said that much, Emily couldn't say anything more. With her persistent anxiety still in her chest, Emily arranged Amalia's appearance.
◇◇◇
The Church Academy as a place of education has completely lost its value when it comes to the hero candidates. The only remaining value is that it provides a place to train. The majority of the academy's training grounds were occupied almost all day long by the hero candidates.
Today was no different. In the large training hall, four groups were training at a distance from each other. Jin and the others weren't among them.
As expected, they could not stay in the [Forest of No Entry] all the time. Besides, Jin and his group's behavior was obviously a nuisance to other adventurers. Because of criticism from those around them, Jin and the others returned to the capital.
But they still do not come to the academy because, as adventurers, they have a place to train: the guild headquarters. They train there. They sometimes appear at the academy, but this is for the purpose of checking on the abilities of other groups.
But that is not the case with the other groups. There is no other place where they can train in large numbers. The only exception is Yuya, who lives in a vast mansion, but he does not use it as a training place.
The reason is typical of Yuya. He wants to be treated as a master. He thinks that since he is stronger than the knights who are his masters, it is only natural.
With Yuya, the training of the group finally begins. But before that...
"Have you thought of a name?"
"Of course, I've thought of one."
“Then let's present them in order.”
It all started with deciding on a team name.
"Then from me. Braves. It means heroes."
"...It sounds like a baseball team."
Kenji's idea of a name was rejected by Yuya.
"Next is mine. Yuya-sama and his companions... what the hell."
Takeshi announced next. It was supposed to be a perfect catchphrase.
"Not bad"
"Eh?"
Yuya's reaction surprised him.
"But I think it's a little lacking in style."
"That's right"
Somehow it was rejected and Takeshi showed a relieved expression.
"Then me. Pentagram."
Yuki then announced the name she had come up with.
"What's that?"
"It means five-pointed star. Because we are five."
"Close"
"Close?"
"What I came up with was the North Star Knights."
Even though he had them announced in order, Yuya had intended from the beginning to use the name he had come up with.
"...Why is it close?"
"North Star"
"Ah, star connection"
"That's right. It's a pity that you chose the star, but it's the name of the group. If you use a star, it would be nice to have a four-star knights or something."
“…Polaris Knights?”
After thinking for a moment, Yuki spoke the English name.
"Ah, that might be good."
Yuya seemed to like it quite a bit.
"Then that's it."
The team name is now decided. Finally, next it for Yuya to train them......
"Next is the flag."
Yuya's nature was to start with appearance.
"......I see. But let's do that next time. We'll bring up a proposal."
"A proposal... that's right. Well then, training... Come to think of it, what about Shizuru?"
At this point, Yuya finally realized that Shizuru wasn't there.
"She went back."
"Eh? Is she skipping?"
"Yes, that's right"
"That's not good. We have to train properly."
"But Yuya-san. She can't fight. Even if you say training, She will just be watching."
"Well."
Shizuru has no talent for swordsmanship or other combat skills. She will just watch from the side during training. It's boring, so she'll slack off like that.
"At least during training, it's the same whether she's there or not."
"But if we allow that to happen, it disrupts teamwork."
"That's the thing......"
Yuki muffled her words halfway through as if it was hard to say.
"What's wrong? Let's say whatever we want to say. That's what we promised in the beginning."
"...Then. Is that person suitable for Yuya-san's team?"
"Eh? Why do you think so?"
Yuya never thought that such words would come out. Yuya still thinks that Shizuru is at the top of the Hero Candidates.
"I've heard stories about her trapping Harumoto-san. On the contrary, I've heard stories about her driving Harumoto-san to her death."
"Are you kidding?"
"Didn't you know?"
"……I didn't know"
Yuya looks a little stunned after being told the unbelievable story. He had never heard any bad rumors about Shizuru since he was in their original world.
"Even though Harumoto-san came to this world and tried to live seriously, Tojo-san seems to have deliberately spread Harumoto-san's reputation in the original world."
"What reputation?"
"Yes. The story is that she sleeps with everyone. When a boy heard that, he asked her out."
"But that's not the same as entrapment."
If it is true, Shizuru's malice is obvious, but Yuya is trying to protect Shizuru somehow.
"After that. Tojo-san purposely invited Takamiya-san to the place where Harumoto-san was doing such things with a boy. Moreover, she pretended not to know anything and entered the room during the act."
"...As expected, that's a lie, isn't it?"
"It's true. She blamed Harumoto-san, not the boys. That's why Harumoto-san left the academy."
"No, but I can't believe Shizuru would do such a thing."
It can't be mean-spirited. But Yuya still refuses to admit it. For what it's worth, Yuya still has feelings for Shizuru.
"I'm talking about jealousy. Harumoto-san was close to Takamiya-san, wasn't she? Tojo-san has liked Takamiya-san for a long time, and she did that because she was jealous."
"…………"
Yuki told him a story that would have been even more shocking if he had liked her.
"What's wrong?"
“Does Shizuru like Jin?”
"Yes. I have known about this for some time."
"No way..."
A story that stimulates Yuya's jealousy. Yuya's feelings for Shizuru wavered, albeit temporarily due to the turmoil.
“Having such a person as a friend will ruin Yuya-san’s reputation.
"But what about Shizuru?"
"Yuya-san is kind, so you can't be strict. But I think that sometimes strictness is necessary for those who stand above others. It means throwing away the small and making the most of the big."
"...That's right. I'll think about it."
Yuki quite well understands Yuya's thoughts. It was a great success as an inducer. One success. In place of Yuki who seemed to be like that, Takeshi opened his mouth this time.
"Speaking of which, I also have something to say."
"What?"
"Actually, a small country, I was invited to come."
"Eh? So?"
"I'm sorry Yuya-san, but I answered that I would think about it."
"Why!? You don't want to be my companion!?"
Yuya is not convinced by his behavior, which is more like trying to get away from him, even though he had just become one of his companions.
"No way. The reason I got invited is because Yuya trained me. I am extremely grateful for that."
"Then why?!"
“According to the other person, if you are a follower or the hero of the Saint Miriam Kingdom, you will be treated very well. That's why I was invited."
"That's……"
Princess Amalia's Saint Miriam Kingdom is a small and poor country in the north. Even if you go there as a hero, you can't afford to be extravagant, but you certainly would be treated well.
"I thought that might be the case."
“Is it about the money? If you're a hero, you have to be willing to fight for others, not for such things."
Yuya is talking nicely as usual, but there is no way these words will reach them.
"But Yuya-san."
"What?"
"I think Yuya-san's power should be used for big things. Only a large country can do that."
"...That's true. But I'm with Amalia."
Yuya, on the other hand, is shaken by Takeshi's words.
"Isn't it one thing to be a lover and another to go to that country?"
"What do you mean?"
"In other words, even if you don't go as the son-in-law, wouldn't it be better if you get a bride?"
"……Surely"
With an escape route prepared, Yuya's feelings began to flow in that direction.
"I think Princess Amalia would be happier if she became Yuya-san's wife, who has achieved a proper position in a large country."
"Might be so"
"Well, this is my opinion. Yuya-san, please make your own decisions."
"Yeah, I understand."
For now, the three of them have fulfilled their roles. To destroy the relationship between Princess Amalia and Yuya, or to discourage him from going to the Saint Miriam Kingdom. This is the job that the three of them were asked to do.
The reward is a small amount of money and a story to get rid of Shizuru, who seems to be an eyesore. They made good use of it.
Being ridiculed as a dropout doesn't mean they are a good person. They hold a grudge against it, and there are people who think of revenge. Some people are willing to bring others down to satisfy their own desires in order to get back at those around them.
That's what Ren dislikes about living beings.
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